Siġġiewi local council objects to crematorium plans

The Siġġiewi local council has objected to plans for a standalone crematorium in a field next to the historic Ta' Brija Cemetery. 

It called the proposal an “unjustified development within ODZ land” and said it would permanently destroy agricultural land.

The application also includes a columbarium, which is a structure to store and display funerary urns, and a garden. It proposes higher boundary walls and the sanctioning of rubble walls on the north and west of the 11,600 square metre site.

More than 70 objections have been filed since the council submitted its objection on Friday, the last day to submit objections. Most objectors argue the project breaches ODZ policy and raise concerns about heritage, traffic and the environment.

Malta still does not have an operational crematorium, despite cremation being legally permitted since 2019 and repeated attempts to develop one. 

Under the plans, the crematorium (PA/07540/25) would be built on a site that includes Ta' Brija Cemetery, which is due to be restored and extended under a separate permit  (PA/03568/06) granted in 2020 to developer Paul Gauci.

Earlier this month, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage raised reservations about the building's design, describing it as “somewhat unorthodox" for the cemetery and its rural setting. 

It asked the architect to review parts of the proposal or submit a design statement justifying the approach. 

'Significant adverse effect'

The council said that, while some sensitive facilities may in principle be allowed outside development zones, the applicant had not shown an “overriding necessity” for the project.

It warned the development would intensify land use and change the rural character of the area. 

The council also said the plans would have a “significant adverse impact” on the area, with too little being done to reduce the visual effect of the building.  

Photomontages submitted to the Planning Authority show a two-storey building with green roofing and garden spaces. 

Updated plans for the site were submitted last month. Graphic: Colin Zammit/PA.

The Planning Authority’s Design Advisory Committee said on Tuesday it was not against the proposal from a design point of view. 

Traffic and environmental concerns

The council said nearby roads may not be able to handle traffic from visitors, funeral gatherings and service vehicles. It also noted no transport impact assessment had been carried out.

Transport Malta has asked for more information about the project.

The council also called for more details about the crematorium's impact on air quality, saying it could generate particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other regulated substances.

The Environmental Health Directorate said last week it had no objections to the plans.

Gudja precident

The council cited last year's refusal of a standalone cemetery at Gudja, which was rejected partly because it was in ODZ and lacked clearance from authorities.

It said that case showed ODZ crematorium proposals require scrutiny and strong justification, which was missing in the Siġġiewi application.

The council also argued the project does not fall under any permitted ODZ use in the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED), a key land-use policy document.

The applicant for the project is Mario Tonna. Colin Zammit is project architect.